$145M Settlement for Kia and Hyundai Owners After Theft Surge [Los Angeles, CA]

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 2, 2024) — Owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles could soon receive compensation as part of a $145 million settlement, addressing claims that their cars were vulnerable to theft. 

This legal resolution comes after a TikTok trend led to a nationwide spike in thefts of these vehicles, exploiting a vulnerability that allowed thieves, often teenagers, to steal cars with minimal tools, such as a USB phone charger.

The problem was so pervasive that Sgt. Jerry Montenegro noted an astonishing rise in Kia and Hyundai thefts, with incidents increasing by nearly 175% from 2021 to 2022, and a 200% surge from 2021 to 2023. Many of these stolen vehicles were later found without their catalytic converters, a part targeted for its valuable metals.

Trevor Campbell, a FOX 11 employee, also had his 2013 Kia Rio stolen from his Los Angeles residence. Despite receiving a notification from Kia about an anti-theft software upgrade, his local dealer denied the applicability of this solution to his vehicle. His car had been recovered, stripped of parts.

The Kia and Hyundai settlement aims to address these concerns, offering financial relief and highlighting the need for enhanced vehicle security measures. Kia and Hyundai owners affected by this wave of thefts are encouraged to file their claims as part of the settlement process.